In collaboration with Espace musique (Radio-Canada), ATMA Classique presents a reissue of an outstanding recital of French songs with soprano Karina Gauvin and pianist Marc-André Hamelin. The title "Fête galante" recalls a sophisticated garden party and alludes to a collection of poems by Paul Verlaine. This sets the tone for a recording dedicated to capturing the pinnacle of French song. Canada's superstar soprano Karina Gauvin has impressed audiences and critics the world over with her luscious timbre, profound musicality and wide vocal range. The Globe and Mail calls her "one of the dream sopranos of our time". As an active recitalist, she has collaborated with several chamber music ensembles and with pianists Marc-André Hamelin, Michael McMahon and Roger Vignoles.

"This unique collaboration confirms beyond a doubt that Marc-André Hamelin, though modest, is an exceptional pianist of great intelligence. One may only hope that despite his busy solo career he will find the time to charm us again in this more intimate setting... This might very well be the beginning of a wonderful relationship that will delight music lovers all over the world." -La Scena Musicale

"If this disc is something of a calling-card...then it highlights on the part of the singer both an evident sympathy with this French repertoire and a sharp musical intelligence at work...hardly surprisingly, Marc-André Hamelin dispatches even the trickiest of all the accompaniments with ease, even nonchalance: this is luxury casting." -International Record Review

"One of the many joys of this fine disc is the absolute refusal of either singer or accompanist either to wallow in sentiment or to indulge in wayward self-promotion. Karina Gauvin's voice is one of rare beauty, with a high register fully integrated with the middle...Not all virtuoso pianists can accompany sensitively, but Marc-André Hamelin is superb - technically impeccable and with a wide tonal range." -BBC Music

International Record ReviewIf this disc is something of a calling-card...then it highlights on the part of the singer both an evident sympathy with this French repertoire and a sharp musical intelligence at work...hardly surprisingly, Marc-André Hamelin dispatches even the trickiest of all the accompaniments with ease, even nonchalance: this is luxury casting.

Gramophone MagazineKarina Gauvin is a remarkable Canadian soprano with a wonderfully fresh and firm voice. Francophone herself, she is ideally suited to sing this ambitious collection of French songs, perfectly supported by pianist Marc-Andre Hamelin...Altogether a most satisfying recital, not just superbly performed but very well recorded, if with the balance slightly favouring the singer.

BBC Music MagazineOne of the many joys of this fine disc is the absolute refusal of either singer or accompanist either to wallow in sentiment or to indulge in wayward self-promotion. Karina Gauvin's voice is one of rare beauty, with a high register fully integrated with the middle...Not all virtuoso pianists can accompany sensitively, but Marc-André Hamelin is superb - technically impeccable and with a wide tonal range.